Pippa Hudson

On Thursday evening members of the Black First Land First (BLF) movement disrupted an event hosted by the Amabhungane Institute for Investigative Journalism. The meeting was titled 'Inside the GuptaLeaks'.

Professor Anton Harber, veteran editor, and head of Wits Journalism says a disruption like that of the BLF will not prevent the media coverage of the Gupta leaks, but will rather draw more attention to the matter instead.

If that's the range of their activity, to disrupt a town hall discussion amongst journalists, then that's pretty peripheral stuff.

— Professor Anton Harber, veteran editor and head of Wits Journalism

Harber suggests the BLF is paid and encouraged to disrupt those that are tackling issues around state capture and the Guptas. He adds that their interests are to spread fear and promote their distinct brand of racism.

He says editors have the dilemma between not ignoring things and hiding news that is of public interest, while also treading carefully with overplaying coverage of a small group of trouble makers and disruptors.